Allexer Namundjembo
Namibia Air (Pty) Ltd has proposed one-way ticket prices of less than N$2 000 on key regional routes as the planned national carrier moves closer to securing approval to begin operations.
The airline’s application for scheduled and non-scheduled air service licences indicates that a one-way ticket from Windhoek to Johannesburg could cost an estimated N$1,881.88, excluding airport taxes and security charges, while flights between Windhoek and Cape Town were projected at approximately N$1,939.08.
For domestic travellers, Namibia Air has proposed lower fares on some routes, including an estimated one-way ticket price of N$535.86 between Windhoek and Walvis Bay, while the Windhoek-Ondangwa route was projected at N$1,327.43.
The proposed fares were contained in applications published in the Government Gazette of the Republic of Namibia No. 8971, dated 8 July 2026, as the airline seeks approval from the Transport Commission of Namibia to operate passenger and cargo services.
Namibia Air stated that the proposed prices were average target fares and that actual ticket costs would vary depending on demand, booking periods and operational factors.
“The airline will use dynamic pricing and revenue management per industry best practice, meaning that fare ranges will apply and figures shown above are target averages,” the Gazette stated.
The planned pricing structure is expected to form part of Namibia Air’s strategy to compete in the regional aviation market while improving connectivity for domestic and African travellers.
The airline has applied to operate routes connecting Windhoek with destinations in Namibia, including Ondangwa, Walvis Bay, Lüderitz, Oranjemund, Rundu and Mpacha.
Regional routes being considered include Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, Luanda in Angola, Gaborone and Francistown in Botswana, Victoria Falls and Harare in Zimbabwe, and Lusaka and Livingstone in Zambia.
Namibia Air estimated that its targeted market could reach about 800 000 passengers for domestic and intra-African travel, covering both inbound and outbound journeys.
The proposed services would include business and economy class travel for passengers travelling for business, conferences, leisure, sports, religious activities and visiting friends and relatives.
To support these operations, the airline plans to acquire seven regional aircraft, including four Embraer ERJ 145 aircraft estimated at US$3 million each and three Embraer E170/E175 jets estimated at US$8 million each.
The company, registered under company number 2026/0675, has identified Hosea Kutako International Airport and Eros Airport in Windhoek as its proposed operational bases.
Namibia Air’s application comes after the government began efforts to establish a new national carrier following the liquidation of Air Namibia. The former airline was shut down after years of financial difficulties and reliance on state funding.
The government has said the new airline would operate under a more sustainable business model, with the ministry of works and transport focusing on financial discipline, strategic partnerships and operational efficiency.
As part of this approach, Namibia has explored cooperation with regional aviation partners, including Botswana, while seeking technical expertise from established airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines.
If approved, Namibia Air’s entry into the market could introduce additional competition and provide passengers with more options for domestic and regional air travel.
